Council agrees to settle and fight for Clarkson Village plans

(Photo: Kelly Roche/QEW South Post)

BY KELLY ROCHE
City council has accepted draft terms of settlement with RioCan’s HomeSense plaza on Lakeshore Rd., and will fight for the area west of Meadow Wood Rd. — meaning taxpayer dollars are being used to pay for legal fees contesting a city staff recommendation after council voted against them in 2014.
Council members “felt there was a greater planning merit to defend its previous decision to limit the height on the south side,” said Ward 2 Coun. Karen Ras.
She said she’s pleased colleagues “have agreed with me to instruct staff to make all efforts to fight this appeal.”
The Clarkson Village study was top of mind at the council meeting Wednesday, where legal staff were brought in to speak with councillors privately.
“There was a good discussion in-camera,” Ras said after the meeting, noting she couldn’t get into too much detail.
An Ontario Municipal Board hearing is set for Nov. 23 to decide on the density-related appeal.
Ras said she knows council’s stance won’t satisfy everybody. “This matter is far from completed and at this point, the future is uncertain but I am determined to ensure that we get this right and build a Clarkson Village that is worthy of the neighbourhood we love,” said Ras.@qewsouthpost